On November 26, 1929, in Bloomfield, IA, he was born the son of Bert and Beryl Jones Dabney.

He graduated from the Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, IA, in 1948, and attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, before graduating from the Kirksville State Teachers College in Kirksville, MO in 1953. Horse served his country in the United States Army before returning to NMSU to receive a Masters Degree.

Horse was very active in football and basketball and track during his college years, lettering in all three sports. He received several awards and honors, including the NMSU Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, NMSU All-Century Football Team, and recipient of the prestigious Stickler Cup, awarded not only for athletics but also academics.

After college Horse coached football and basketball at Palmyra High School, Edina High School, and Knox County High School.

On August 3, 1957, in Edina, MO, Horse married Joyce Margaret Arnold.

Horse and Joyce purchased the Ben Franklin Store in Edina, MO, from her parents in 1964 and operated it until 1988. He also returned to Knox County High School in 1973-1974 as assistant principal and football coach before returning to the store.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, MO, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion in Bloomfield, IA, the Baring Country Club in Baring, MO, and the Edina Country Club at Edina.

Horse greatly enjoyed his family and was most proud of their numerous musical, academic and athletic endeavors throughout the years.

Horse is survived by a son, John and his wife, Andrea Dabney of Memphis, MO; three daughters, Kristin Dabney of Wentzville, MO, Kathleen and her husband, Michael Bialota of Edina, MO and Ocean Springs, MS, and Karen Dabney of Hannibal, MO; four grandchildren, Corry and Natalie Bialota and John Ryan and Dominic Paul Dabney; a brother, Ronald and wife, Glenna Dabney of Bloomfield, IA; a sister-in-law, Lucille Dabney of Lancaster, MO; and numerous nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and a brother, Russell Dabney.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held September 19, 2003, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, MO. Burial was in the St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery at Edina, MO. Military graveside honors were conducted by the Cyril A. Graham American Legion Post #261 and the Knox County V.F.W. Post #4822 of Edina, MO. A Rosary was held at the church in Edina, MO September 18, 2003. Arrangements were under the direction of Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home at Edina, MO. An expression of sympathy in memory of Horse Dabney may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Parish or the Horse Dabney Memorial Fund. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.